Exercise bicycle handlebar

ABSTRACT

The invention involves a base handle bar configuration having a stem and a base gripping portion connected with the stem. A variety of combinations of stub grips, spanning bars, arcuate bars, cross bars, prong grips, and the like are connected with the base gripping portion. The handle bar may be connected with any type of exercise device and is particularly suited for connection with an exercise bicycle. The various handlebar configurations provide a user with numerous gripping alternatives during use of the exercise device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claimingpriority to provisional application No. 60/362,580 titled “ExerciseBicycle Handlebar” filed on Mar. 6, 2002, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully setforth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to handlebar configurations foran exercise bicycle that provide the user of the exercise bicycle with aplurality of gripping alternatives.

BACKGROUND

[0003] One of the most enduring types of exercise equipment is theexercise bicycle. As with other exercise equipment, the exercise bicycleand its use are continually evolving. Early exercise bicycles wereprimarily designed for daily in home use and adapted to provide the userwith a riding experience similar to riding a road bicycle in a seatedposition. In many examples, early exercise bicycles include a pair ofpedals to drive a bicycle-type front wheel. To provide resistance, earlyexercise bicycles and some modern exercise bicycles are equipped with abrake pad assembly operably connected with a bicycle type front wheel sothat a rider can increase or decrease the pedaling resistance bytightening or loosening the brake pad engagement with the rim of thefront wheel.

[0004] As exercise bicycles became increasingly popular in health clubs,the use and features provided by exercise bicycles evolved as manyriders sought to achieve an exercise bicycle riding experience moresimilar to actual riding, which often includes pedaling up-hill,standing to pedal, and the like. One point in the evolution of theexercise bicycle is the replacement or substitution of the standardbicycle front wheel with a flywheel. The addition of the flywheel, whichis oftentimes quite heavy, provides the rider with a riding experiencemore similar to riding a bicycle because a spinning flywheel has inertiasimilar to the inertia of a rolling bicycle tire.

[0005] Another point in the evolution of the use of the exercise bicycleis in group riding programs at health clubs, where transition betweenvarious different types of riding is popular, such as riding at highrevolutions per minute (RPM), low RPM, changing the resistance of theflywheel, standing up and pedaling, leaning forward, and variouscombinations of these types of riding. One particular component of theexercise bicycle that is involved in the transition between various typeof exercising positions is the handlebars.

[0006] It is with this background in mind that the handlebarconfigurations of the present invention were developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The handlebar configurations of the present invention provide theuser of the exercise bicycle with a plurality of gripping positions.Whether exercising alone or in group riding programs, having a pluralityof gripping positions facilitates the user's ability to transition fromstanding to sitting, from leaning forward to leaning backward, and thelike. In addition, having a plurality of gripping positions allows theuser to alternate between various gripping positions to reduce fatigue.For example, a user standing to pedal for several minutes might becomefatigued in one gripping position, and move to a different grippingposition to reduce the fatigue while maintaining the standing position.

[0008] Providing a plurality of gripping alternatives also allows theuser to exercise different upper body muscles. For example, whileriding, the user can simulate a pushup using the handlebar of thepresent invention to exercise the chest. The user can also simulate adip to exercise the triceps and shoulders.

[0009] One handlebar configuration of the present invention, which maybe connected with an exercise device such as an exercise bicycles,comprises a handlebar stem and a base handlebar structure including amain bar connected transversely with the handlebar stem support arm, themain bar defining a first portion and a second portion. The basehandlebar structure further includes a first outer bar extendingforwardly from the first portion of the main bar and a second outer barextending forwardly from the second portion of the main bar. The firstouter bar defines a first section and a first angularly offset sectionbeing angularly offset from the first section. The second outer bardefines a second section and a second angularly offset section beingangularly offset from the second section. A first stub grip extendsinwardly from the first outer bar toward the second outer bar. And, asecond stub grip extending inwardly from the second outer bar toward thefirst outer bar.

[0010] The handlebar configuration may further comprise a forwardlyextending support arm defining a first side and a second side, andwherein the first portion of the main bar extends outwardly anddownwardly from the first side of the support arm and the second portionof the main bar extends outwardly and downwardly from the second side ofthe support arm.

[0011] The handlebar configuration may further comprise a third stubgrip extending inwardly from the first outer bar toward the second outerbar, and a fourth stub grip extending inwardly from the second outer bartoward the first outer bar. The handlebar configuration may furthercomprises a third stub grip extending outwardly from the first outerbar, and a fourth stub grip extending outwardly from the second outerbar. The first stub and third grips may extend inwardly from the firstouter bar at about a right angle to the first outer bar. The second andfourth stub grips may extend inwardly from the second outer at about aright angle to the second outer bar. The handlebar configuration mayfurther include a spanning bar defining a first bar section, a secondnon-linear section, and a third bar section, the first bar sectionconnected with the first outer bar, the third bar section connected withthe second outer bar, and the second non-linear section located betweenthe first bar section and the third bar section. The non-linear sectionof the spanning bar may define a rearwardly directed curve, a rearwardlyand upwardly directed curve, arearwardly and a downwardly directedcurve, a forwardly directed curve, upwardly and forwardly directedcurve, and a rearwardly and a downwardly directed curve.

[0012] Another handlebar configuration comprises a handlebar stem and abase handlebar structure including a main bar connected transverselywith the handlebar stem. The main bar defines a first portion and asecond portion. The base handlebar structure further including a firstouter bar extending forwardly from the first portion of the main bar anda second outer bar extending forwardly from the second portion of themain bar. The first outer bar defines a first section and a firstangularly offset section being angularly offset from the first section.The second outer bar defines a second section and a second angularlyoffset section being angularly offset from the second section. Thehandlebar configuration further comprises a first arcuate bar having afirst end and a second end and defining an arc therebetween, the firstend connected with the first portion of the main bar and the second endconnected with the first outer bar and a second arcuate bar, having afirst end and a second end and defining an arc there between, the firstend connected with the second portion of the main bar and the second endconnected with the second outer bar.

[0013] The handlebar configuration may further include a cross barconnected between the first arcuate bar and the second arcuate bar. Afirst stub grip may extend outwardly from the first outer bar, and asecond stub grip extending outwardly from the second outer bar. Thefirst arcuate bar extends forwardly from the first portion of the mainbar and outwardly to the first outer bar, and the second arcuate barextends forwardly from the second portion of the main bar and outwardlyto the second outer bar.

[0014] Another handlebar configuration includes a handlebar stem and abase handlebar structure including a main bar connected transverselywith the handlebar stem. The main bar defines a first portion and asecond portion. The base handlebar structure further including a firstouter bar extending forwardly from the first portion of the main bar anda second outer bar extending forwardly from the second portion of themain bar. The first outer bar defines a first section and a firstangularly offset section being angularly offset from the first section.The second outer bar defines a second generally horizontal section and asecond angularly offset section being angularly offset from the secondgenerally horizontal section. A first stub grip extending inwardly fromthe first outer bar toward the second outer bar, and a second stub gripextending inwardly from the second outer bar toward the first outer bar.A spanning bar defines a first bar section, a second non-linear section,and a third bar section, the first bar section connected with the firstouter bar, the third bar section connected with the second outer bar,and the second non-linear section is located between and connected withthe first bar section and the third bar section.

[0015] The non-linear section of the spanning bar may define arearwardly directed curve, a rearwardly and an upwardly directed curve,a rearwardly and a downwardly directed curve, a forwardly directedcurve, an upwardly and forwardly directed curve, or a forwardly and adownwardly directed curve. A first stub grip extends forwardly from thefirst portion of the main bar at about a right angle to the firstportion of the main bar, and a second stub grip extends forwardly fromthe second portion of the main bar at about a right angle to the secondportion of the main bar. The handlebar configuration may further includean arcuate bar having a first end and a second end and defining an arctherebetween, the first end connected with the first portion of the mainbar and the second end connected with the second portion of the mainbar. The handlebar configuration may further include a first stub gripextending outwardly from the first outer bar at about a right angle tothe first outer bar, and a second stub grip extending outwardly from thesecond outer bar at about a right angle to the second outer bar.

[0016] Another handlebar configuration of the present inventioncomprises a handlebar stem and a base handlebar structure including amain bar connected transversely with the handlebar stem. The main bardefines a first portion and a second portion. The base handlebarstructure further includes a first outer bar extending forwardly fromthe first portion of the main bar and a second outer bar extendingforwardly from the second portion of the main bar. The first outer bardefines a first section and a first angularly offset section beingangularly offset from the first section. The second outer bar defines asecond section and a second angularly offset section being angularlyoffset from the second section. A first angled stub grip extendsforwardly, upwardly, and inwardly from the first outer bar, and a secondangled stub grip extends forwardly, upwardly, and inwardly from thesecond outer bar.

[0017] A first stub grip may extend inwardly from the first outer bartoward the second outer bar at about a right angle to the first outerbar, and a second stub grip extending inwardly from the second outer bartoward the first outer bar at about a right angle to the second outerbar. The handlebar configuration may further include an arcuate barhaving a first end and a second end and defining an arc therebetween,the first end connected with the first portion of the main bar and thesecond end connected with the second portion of the main bar.

[0018] Another alternative handlebar configuration comprises a means foradjustably mounting the handlebar assembly on the exercise device, afirst base gripping means for providing gripping alternatives, and atleast one second gripping means for providing additional grippingalternatives, wherein the at least one second gripping means is attachedto the first base gripping means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise bicycle according toone embodiment of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a top view of a handlebar according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

[0021]FIG. 3 is side view of the handlebar illustrated in FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a rear view of the handlebar illustrated in FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a second handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a top view of the second handlebar illustrated in FIG.5;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a side view of the second handlebar illustrated in FIG.5;

[0026]FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a third handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a top view of the third handlebar illustrated in FIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a side view of the third handlebar illustrated in FIG.8;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a rear view of the third handlebar illustrated in FIG.8;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a top view of a fourth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a side view of the fourth handlebar illustrated in FIG.12;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a top view of a fifth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a side view of the fifth handlebar illustrated in FIG.14;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a top view of an alternative configuration of the fifthhandlebar illustrated in FIG. 14;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a side view of the handlebar illustrated in FIG. 16;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a top view of a sixth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0037]FIG. 19 is a side view of the sixth handlebar illustrated in FIG.18;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a top view of a seventh handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 21 is a side view of the seventh handlebar illustrated inFIG. 21;

[0040]FIG. 22 is a top view of an eighth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0041]FIG. 23 is a side view of the eighth handlebar illustrated in FIG.22;

[0042]FIG. 24 is a top view of a ninth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0043]FIG. 25 is a side view of the ninth handlebar illustrated in FIG.24;

[0044]FIG. 26 is a top view of a tenth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0045]FIG. 27 is a side view of the tenth handlebar illustrated in FIG.26;

[0046]FIG. 28 is a top view of an eleventh handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0047]FIG. 29 is a side view of the eleventh handlebar illustrated inFIG. 28;

[0048]FIG. 30 is a top view of a twelfth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0049]FIG. 31 is a side view of the twelfth handlebar illustrated inFIG. 30;

[0050]FIG. 32 is a top view of a thirteenth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0051]FIG. 33 is a side view of the thirteenth handlebar illustrated inFIG. 32;

[0052]FIG. 34 is a top view of a fourteenth handlebar according to oneembodiment of the invention; and

[0053]FIG. 35 is a side view of the fourteenth handlebar illustrated inFIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] A handlebar configuration conforming to the present invention isadapted for use with exercise bicycles, bicycles, and generally exerciseequipment of all kinds. Any of the various exercise handlebarconfigurations described below provide a user with a variety of grippingalternatives. In an exercise bicycle employing one of the handlebarconfigurations of the present invention, a user may shift the placementof his or her hands to the various gripping locations to relieve fatigueand to support various exercise positions. Moreover, the user may shiftthe placement of his or her hands to the various gripping locations inorder to perform a variety of upper body, arm, abdominal, and otherexercises.

[0055]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one particular exercise bicycle 10employing one handlebar configuration 12 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, inaccordance with the present invention. Other particular exercisebicycles that may employ a handlebar configuration, in accordance withthe present invention, are illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/093,325 entitled “Exercise Bicycle Frame,” filed on Mar. 6, 2002,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as thoughfully set forth herein. Another particular exercise bicycle that mayemploy a handlebar of the present invention is illustrated in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/051,602 entitled “Exercise Bicycle,”filed on Jan. 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety asthough fully set forth herein.

[0056] The exercise bicycle 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a frame 14and a front fork assembly 16 supporting a wheel 18, a flywheel 20, orthe like. At the top of the fork assembly, a head tube 22 extendsupwardly from the front fork. The head tube defines an aperture foradjustably receiving a handlebar stem 24. In the exercise bicycleillustrated in FIG. 1, the head tube defines a square aperture adaptedto receive a square handlebar stem. Each embodiment of the inventionillustrated herein includes a square handlebar stem adapted to fitwithin the square aperture defined by the head tube. The head tubeaperture and the cooperating handlebar stem, however, can be any othersuitable cooperating shapes, such as round, triangular, or trapezoidal.

[0057]FIG. 2 is a top view, FIG. 3 is a side view, and FIG. 4 is a rearview of a base handlebar structure 26 that is common to each handlebarconfiguration of the present invention. The base handlebar structureincludes the box beam type handlebar stem 24 adapted to be received bythe head tube 26. In one particular configuration, the top portion ofthe handlebar stem includes a support arm 28. When the handlebar stem issecured in the head tube of the exercise bicycle shown in FIG. 1, thesupport arm extends forwardly from the head tube and is orientedhorizontally or roughly parallel with the surface that the frame isresting on. The support arm, however, may be oriented at other angleswith respect to the handlebar stem and/or the surface that the frame isresting on.

[0058] A generally U-shaped base gripping bar 30 or portion is connectedwith the top portion of the handlebar stem. The base gripping portion isthe part of base handlebar structure that a user will grasp and itprovides various gripping alternatives for the user seated or standingduring use of a piece of exercise equipment employing a handlebar inaccordance with the present invention. In one configuration, the basegripping portion is connected with the forward end region of the supportarm. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the base gripping portion includesan inverted V-shaped main bar 32 connected transversely to the front ofthe support arm. The inverted V-shaped bar defines a left 34 and a right36 outwardly and downwardly extending bar portion. The main bar,however, may be a generally straight member or may have upwardly andoutwardly extending portions. A left 38 and a right 40 outer grip extendforwardly from the outer end of the respective left 34 and right 36outwardly and downwardly extending transverse bar portion. Each outergrip defines a first section (42 a, 42 b) extending forwardly from therespective end of the inverted V-shaped bar, and a second section (44 a,44 b) extending forwardly and upwardly from the respective firstsection.

[0059] In one example, the entire base gripping bar 30 is formed from asingle tubular member. As such, the inverted V-shaped portion 32 and theleft and right outer grip portions (34, 36) of the base gripping bar areformed by appropriately bending the singular tube member into the shapeas generally shown in FIGS. 1-4. A left radius 46 is defined at thetransition area between the left portion of the inverted V-shaped barand the left outer grip. A right radius 48 is defined at the transitionarea between the right portion of the inverted V-shaped bar and theright outer grip. A second left radius 50 is defined at a secondtransition area between the first section 42 a of the left outer gripand the second section 44 a of the left outer grip. A second rightradius 52 is defined at a second transition between the first section 42b of the right outer grip and the second section 44 b of the right outergrip. Rather than a single tubular member, the base gripping bar andother handlebar configurations discussed herein may be constructed froma molded polymer, welded metal or alloy tubular pieces, or the like. Insuch alternatives where bending a tubular member is not necessary, thebase gripping portion may not have radiuses defined at the firsttransition areas and second transition areas.

[0060] The base gripping bar 30 provides the user with numerous grippingalternatives. The user may grip the handlebar in a first grippingposition along the inverted V-shaped bar 32 on either side of thesupport arm 28. Having outwardly and downwardly extending bars (34, 36)the inverted V-shaped bar provides the user with a natural andcomfortable gripping position. When griping the inverted V-shapedsection, the user's hands and wrists assume a natural position with thefingers and the thumb generally defining a cylinder around the bars.From a seated position on the exercise bicycle, the cylindrical areadefined by the user's left hand has a left side lower than a right side,and the cylindrical area defined by the user's right hand has a leftside that is higher than a right side. The cylindrical area defined byeach hand is roughly perpendicular to the user's forearm between theelbow and the hand and may be achieved with little or no bend at thewrist.

[0061] A second gripping position is provided by the first sections (42a, 42 b) of the outer grips (38, 40). As best illustrated in FIG. 3, thefirst sections of the outer grips are roughly horizontal or parallelwith the surface upon which the exercise bicycle 10 is supported. Thefirst sections of the outer grips are also roughly perpendicular to theinverted V-shaped bar 32 as best shown in FIG. 2, and therefore extendforwardly from the inverted V-shaped bar. In one example, from astanding position on the exercise bicycle, when the user grips the firstsections (42 a, 42 b) of the outer grips (38, 40), the cylinders formedby the hands are roughly parallel to the ground and extend forwardlyaway from the user's body. For many users in such an orientation, thehands are positioned with the thumb and index finger forwardly withrespect to the other fingers and with a slightly downward orientation ofthe hand with regard to the forearm forming a slight bend at the wrist.The farther the user leans forward in the standing pedaling position,the lesser the angle at the wrist. When the user is positioned with theshoulder directly above the first sections, the cylinder defined by theuser's hands when gripping the first sections of the outer grips isroughly transverse to the user's forearm and with little or no bend atthe wrist.

[0062] A third gripping position is provided by the second sections (44a, 44 b) of the outer grips (38, 40). In one example, the secondsections of the outer grips extend forwardly and upwardly from the firstsections (42 a, 42 b) of the outer grips as best illustrated in FIG. 3.When the user is in a seated position on the exercise bicycle andleaning forward, for example, the user can grip the second sections inan orientation that is natural and comfortable. In such an orientation,the cylinders defined by the user's hands in the gripping position arealigned with the second portions of the outer grips so that there islittle or no bend at the wrist between the hand and the forearm.

[0063] When standing and gripping the base handlebar 30 at the first,second, third, or other gripping positions provided by the base grip,the user is able to exercise various upper body muscles in addition tothe muscles normally exercised when riding a stationary exercisebicycle. For example, the user can grip the left first section 42 a ofthe left outer grip 38 with his left hand and grip the right firstsection 42 b of the right outer grip 40 with his right hand, and raiseand lower the upper body to exercise parts of the chest and arms. Theuser might also grasp the inverted V-shaped bar 32 adjacent and on bothsides of the support arm, and raise and lower the upper body toconcentrate exercise on the triceps, for example.

[0064]FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second handlebarstructure 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS.6 and 7 illustrate a top view and a side view, respectively, of thehandlebar illustrated in FIG. 1. The second handlebar structure includesthe base handlebar structure 26 described with reference to FIGS. 2-4.In addition, the second handlebar structure includes a first stub grip54 and a second stub grip 56 that each extend inwardly from the leftouter grip 38 and the right outer grip 40, respectively. The first stubgrip is connected with the left outer grip adjacent the second radius 50at the transition between the first section 42 a and the second section44 a of the left outer grip. In one configuration, the first stub gripextends generally perpendicular to the outer grip. In addition, thefirst stub grip extends upwardly from the left outer grip and inwardlygenerally toward the right outer grip. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, in oneparticular configuration, the first stub grip 54 is generally parallelwith the left portion 34 of the inverted V-shaped bar 30 in all views.

[0065] The second stub grip 56 is connected with the right outer grip 40adjacent the second radius 52 at the transition between the firstsection 42 b and the second section 44 b of the right outer grip. In oneexample, the second stub grip is generally perpendicular to the rightouter grip. In addition, the second stub grip extends upwardly from theright outer grip and inwardly generally toward the left outer grip. Asshown in FIGS. 5-7, in one particular configuration, the second stubgrip is generally parallel with the right portion 36 of the invertedV-shaped bar 32, in all views.

[0066] The first stub grip 54 and the second stub grip 56 extend towardeach other from the respective outer grips (38, 40). In one example, theinner ends (58, 60) of the left and right stub grips are spaced apart byapproximately 6.5 inches. Alternatively, the inner ends of the stubgrips may be spaced apart by a lesser or greater distance than 6.5inches. During use, in one example, the user may rest his or herforearms on the first portion 34 and the second portion 36 of theinverted V-shaped bar 32, respectively, and grasp the first and secondstub grips, respectively, in a natural and comfortable manner. Whenresting the forearms on the inverted V-shaped section, mostly the lowermuscles of the forearm rest on the first and second portions of theinverted V-shaped bar rather than the bones in the arm, which makes itmore comfortable to rest the forearms on the bars. With forearms restingon the inverted V-shaped bar, the cylinders defined by the hands arenaturally orientated roughly parallel to the orientation of the firstand second stub grips. To provide a comfortable gripping position, thefirst and second stub grips are aligned with the natural position thatthe hands assume when the forearms are resting on the inverted V-shapedbar.

[0067]FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 illustrate a perspective view, top view,side view, and a rear view, respectively, of a third handlebar structure62 according to the present invention. The third handlebar structureincludes the base gripping structure 26 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and thestub grips (54, 56) illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. In addition, the thirdhandlebar structure includes a third 64 and a fourth 66 stub grip thateach extend inwardly from the second sections (44 a, 44 b) of the leftand the right outer grips (38, 40), respectively. The third stub gripextends inwardly and generally toward the right outer grip from theforward end area of the second section of the left outer grip. In oneexample, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the third stub grip isconnected with the second section of the left outer grip in such amanner that the third stub grip is generally parallel with the floor orother surface that the exercise bicycle of FIG. 1 is supported on whenthe handlebar is assembled with the exercise bicycle.

[0068] The fourth stub grip 66 extends inwardly from the forward endarea of the second section 44 b of the right outer grip 40. In oneexample, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the fourth stub grip isconnected with the second section of the right outer grip at a rightangle in such a manner that the fourth stub grip is generally parallelwith the floor or other surface that the exercise bicycle of FIG. 1 issupported on when the handlebar is assembled with the exercise bicycle.Generally, the third 64 and fourth 66 stub grips are perpendicular to aforwardly extending plane defined by the handlebar stem 24.

[0069] In contrast to the first stub grip 54 and second stub grip 56,which are connected with the outer grips (38, 40) at an angle withregard to the floor and/or with regard to the forwardly extending planedefined by the handlebar stem 24, the third and fourth stub grips (64,66) are parallel with the floor. In one example, the user may grasp thethird and fourth stub grips in a standing pedaling position. Grippingthe third and fourth grips in such a manner allows the user to exerciseupper body muscles in addition to the lower body muscles exercisedduring pedaling. The upper body muscles exercised while standing andgrasping the third and fourth stub grips are somewhat different than themuscles that are exercised while standing and grasping the outer grips(38, 40), the inverted V-shaped bar 32, or the first and second stubgrips (54, 56). The third and fourth stub grips may also be grasped froma seated position. Due to the particular orientation of the third andfourth stub grips, for many users the hands will assume a natural andcomfortable orientation when grasping the third and fourth stub grips ineither a standing or seated position. Generally, when grasping the thirdand fourth stub grips with the left and right hand, respectively, thecylinder defined by each hand will be at roughly a right angle to thelongitudinal axis of a user's forearm. As such, a user may grasp thethird and fourth stub grips (64, 66) with a minimal bend of the wrist.

[0070] A top view and a side view of a fourth alternative handlebarconfiguration 68 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 12and 13, respectively. The fourth handlebar configuration includes thebase gripping portion 26 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-4 andthe first and second stub grips (54, 56) discussed above with regard toFIGS. 5-7. In addition to the base gripping bar and the first and secondstub grips, the fourth handlebar configuration also includes a third anda fourth stub grip (70, 72) that each extend outwardly from the left andthe right outer grips (38, 40), respectively. The third and fourth stubgrips (64, 66) of FIGS. 8-11, in contrast, each extend inwardly from theleft and right outer grips, respectively.

[0071] In one example, the third stub grip 70 extends outwardly from theleft outer grip 38 adjacent the second radius 50 at the transitionbetween the first section 42 a and the second section 44 a of the leftouter grip. From the perspective of the top view, the combination of thethird stub grip 70 and the first stub grip 54 form a cross shape withthe left outer grip. The third stub grip is connected generally at aright angle to the left outer grip, and is orientated generallyhorizontally or parallel with the floor when the handlebar is assembledwith the exercise bicycle 10 of FIG. 1. The fourth stub grip 72 extendsoutwardly from the right outer grip 40 adjacent the second radius 52 atthe transition between the first section 42 b and the second section 44b of the right outer grip 40, in one example. From the perspective ofthe top view, the combination of the fourth stub grip 72 and the secondstub grip 56 form a cross shape with the right outer grip. The fourthstub grip is generally perpendicular to the right outer grip, and isorientated generally horizontally or parallel with the floor when thehandlebar is assembled with the exercise bicycle. Generally, the thirdstub grip and fourth stub grip are each perpendicular to the forwardlyextending plane defined by the handlebar stem.

[0072] The third and fourth stub grips (70, 72) of the fourth handlebarconfiguration 68 provide the user with the ability to grasp thehandlebar with a wider spread between the left and right hands. For manyusers, when gripping the third and fourth stub grips, the hands will bewider apart than the shoulders of the user. Such a wide grip position,especially in the standing cycling position, provides the user withadditional upper body exercise positions and additional grippingpositions. When gripping the third and fourth stub grips, in someinstances, the hands will be angled slightly inwardly toward the innerside of the forearms with a bend at the wrist.

[0073]FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a top view and a side view of a fifthhandlebar configuration 74, respectively. The fifth handlebarconfiguration 74 includes the base gripping bar configuration 26 and thefirst and second stub grips (54, 56) described with regard to theconfiguration described with respect to FIGS. 5-7. In one example, thefirst and second stub grips (54, 56) are connected with the left andright outer grips, respectively, somewhat rearward of the radii (50, 52)defining the transitions between the first sections (42 a, 42 b) and thesecond sections (44 a, 44 b) of the outer grips. In addition, the fifthconfiguration includes a spanning bar 76 connected between the secondsections of the outer grips.

[0074] In one example, the spanning bar 76 is connected with the forwardend area of the second section 44 a of the left outer grip and isconnected with the second section 44 b of the right outer grip to spanthe distance therebetween. Recall, that the respective second sections(42 a, 42 b) of the outer grips (38, 40) extend upwardly and forwardlyfrom the respective first sections (42 a, 42 b). Thus, the forward endareas of the second sections of the outer grips are slightly higher thanany other portions of the handlebars. Because the spanning bar islocated between the forward sections of the outer grips, the overallheight of the spanning bar allows the user to grasp the bar with less ofa bend of the lower back than would be required if the spanning bar wasoriented with less height, which can somewhat reduce stress on the lowerback when gripping the spanning bar.

[0075] The spanning bar 76 initially extends inwardly and substantiallyperpendicular to the forward end region of the second section of theouter grips, in one example, similar to the third and fourth stub grips(64, 66) described with regard to the third alternative handlebar (seeFIGS. 8-11). Thus, the user can grip the portions of the spanning bar 76adjacent the left and right outer grips (38, 40) in substantially thesame manner in which a user can grip the third and fourth stub grips(64, 66) of the third alternative handlebar configuration 62. Thespanning bar further defines a centrally located downwardly andrearwardly oriented non-linear generally arcuate section 78, whichprovides additional gripping alternatives for the user. For example, formany users, in the standing riding position, the user can grip thecentral arcuate portion 78 so that the user's hands are closer togetherthan the user's shoulders and so that the cylinder defined by the lefthand and the right hand will each be downwardly and rearwadlyorientated. Oriented as such, each of the user's hands and forearms willbe rotated slightly inwardly and positioned with little or no bend atthe wrists providing a natural and comfortable grip on the bars.

[0076] Alternatively, the spanning bar defines a centrally locatedupwardly oriented non-linear generally arcuate section as shown in FIGS.16 and 17, which illustrate a top view and a side view, respectively, ofthe alternative spanning bar configuration. The upwardly arcuate sectionmay be tilted forwardly or rearwardly. The alternative spanning bar isconnected between the outer grips, but somewhat rearwardly as comparedto the spanning bar illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0077] The alternative spanning bar 76 b provides various grippingalternatives. For example, the user may rest his or her forearm on theinverted V-shaped bar 32 adjacent each side of the support arm 28 andgrasp the arcuate section 80 of the alternative spanning bar in anatural and comfortable manner. When laying the forearms on the mainbar, the cylinder defined by the user's hands naturally fall into aposition rotated slightly away from vertical (e.g., between one and twoo'clock for the left hand and ten and eleven o'clock for the right hand)and with no rearward or forward bend at the wrist. The arcuate sectionof the spanning bar is adapted to cooperate with such a natural positionof the user's hand when the forearm is resting on the main bar, in oneexample.

[0078]FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a top view and a side view,respectively, of a sixth handlebar 82 embodiment, in accordance with thepresent invention. The sixth handlebar embodiment includes the basegripping bar structure 26 and the spanning bar (76, 76 b) as describedwith regard to the fifth embodiment (see FIGS. 14-17). In contrast tothe fifth handlebar embodiment 74, the sixth embodiment 82 does notinclude the first and second stub grips, and does include a non-lineargenerally arcuate bar 84 connected with the inverted V-shaped bar 32. Inone example, the arcuate bar is connected at its left end 85 with theleft portion 34 of the inverted V-shaped bar and is connected at itsright end 86 with the right portion 36 of the inverted V-shaped bar. Thearcuate bar defines a curve between its left end and its right end, withthe apex of the curve 90 directly forward of the support arm 28. In oneexample, the arcuate bar also defines a plane that is generally parallelwith the floor where a handlebar is connected with the exercise bicycle10 of FIG. 1. The plane defined by the arcuate bar, however, may beoriented upwardly or downwardly with regard to the floor and theinverted V-shaped bar.

[0079] The user may grip the arcuate bar 84 in the standing or seatedriding positions at any portion of the arcuate bar, which providesnumerous alternative gripping positions for the user. In addition, theuser may rest his or her forearms on the left and right portions (34,36) of the inverted V-shaped section as discussed with regard to thesecond embodiment, and may grasp the arcuate bar with his or her hands.

[0080]FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a top view and a side view,respectively, of a seventh handlebar 92 embodiment, in accordance withthe present invention. The seventh handlebar embodiment includes thebase handlebar configuration 26, the spanning bar (76, 76 b) and thearcuate bar 84 discussed with regard to the sixth embodiment 82 (seeFIGS. 18 and 19). In addition, the seventh handlebar embodiment includesthird and fourth stub grips (70, 72) connected with the left and rightouter grips (38, 40), respectively, as described with regard to thefourth embodiment (see FIGS. 12 and 13). Accordingly, the sixthembodiment provides all of the gripping alternatives provided by thefifth embodiment of the invention along with the gripping alternativesprovided by the third and fourth stub grips (70, 72) of the fourthembodiment of the invention.

[0081]FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a top view and a side view,respectively, of an eighth handlebar 94 embodiment, in accordance withthe present invention. The eighth handlebar embodiment includes the basehandlebar configuration 26 and the spanning bar (76, 76 b) discussedwith regard to the fifth through seventh embodiments. The handlebar ofthe eighth embodiment also includes a first prong grip 96 and a secondprong grip 98 extending forwardly from the inverted V-shaped main bar32. In one example, the first and second prong grip (96, 98) extendforwardly from the lower and outer ends of the left and right portions(34, 36), respectively, of the inverted V-shaped bar. The prong grips,however, may be located anywhere along the inverted V-shaped main bar.In one example, each of the prong grips are perpendicular to theinverted V-shaped bar and are substantially parallel with the groundwhen the handlebar is assembled with the exercise bicycle of FIG. 1.Alternatively, the prong grips may be angled upwardly or downwardly fromthe main bar.

[0082] The prong grips (96, 98) may be gripped by the user in either thestanding or seated position. In the standing position, for example, theuser may grip the prongs such that the cylinder defined by the hands isoriented forwardly, i.e., perpendicularly to the main bar, so that thethumb is above the index finger, and so that the thumb and index fingerare positioned forwardly of the other fingers. In such a position, theuser, in addition to pedaling, may repeatedly raise and lower his or herupper body and thus focus upper body exercise on the triceps and thechest. Raising and lowering the upper body may also be achieved with anyof the other bar configurations discussed herein. In addition, the usermay rest his or her left and right forearms along the entire length ofthe left and right prong grips, respectively. When lying the forearmalong the length of the prong grip, the user may also grasp the forwardend of the prong grip in a cupping manner or may grasp the portion ofthe spanning bar directly forward the end of the prong grip. Theportions of the spanning member directly forward the end of the pronggrips (96, 98) is roughly perpendicular to the length of the prong gripsso that a user laying his or her forearms along the length of the pronggrips can grasp the spanning bar with little or no angle at the wrist.

[0083] A ninth alternative handlebar (100) configuration is illustratedin FIGS. 24 and 25, which are a top view and a side view of the ninthconfiguration, respectively. The ninth handlebar configuration accordingto the present invention includes the base handlebar structure 26 shownin FIGS. 2-4. The ninth handlebar configuration also includes a left orsecond arcuate bar 102 and a right or third arcuate bar 104. The leftarcuate bar 102 is connected at one end to the left portion 34 of theinverted V-shaped bar 32 and is connected at its other end to the leftouter grip 38. In one example, the left arcuate bar extends forwardlyfrom the left portion of the inverted V-shaped bar. The left arcuate baris connected to the main bar about midway between the support arm 28 andthe radius 46 at the transition from the inverted V-shaped bar and theleft outer bar. From the forwarding extending portion, the left arcuatebar arcs outwardly and is connected at its forward end with the secondor forward section 44 a of the left outer grip.

[0084] The right or third arcuate bar 104 is basically a mirror image ofthe left arcuate bar 102. The right arcuate bar is connected at one endto the right portion 36 of the inverted V-shaped bar and is connected atits other end to the right outer grip 40. In one example, the rightarcuate bar extends forwardly from the right portion of the invertedV-shaped bar. The right arcuate bar is connected to the main bar aboutmidway between the support arm 28 and the radius 48 at the transitionfrom the inverted V-shaped bar and the right outer bar. From theforwardly extending portion, the right arcuate bar arcs outwardly and isconnected at its forward end with the second or forward section 44 b ofthe right outer grip.

[0085]FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a top view and a side view,respectively, of a tenth alternative embodiment 106 of the invention.The tenth alternative handlebar includes all of the gripping surfacesprovided by the ninth alternative 100. In addition, the tenthalternative handlebar includes a crossbar 108 connected between the leftarcuate bar 102 and the right arcuate bar 104. As shown best in FIG. 26,the crossbar 108 along with the left arcuate bar 102 and the rightarcuate bar 104 together form a shape similar to an oddly shapedoutwardly flaring U.S. style football goalpost. In one example, thecrossbar is connected to about the midpoint of the left arcuate bar andthe midpoint of the right arcuate bar.

[0086] The crossbar 108 provides yet another alternative grippingposition for the user in both the seated and standing riding positions.The user can grip the crossbar with both hands touching or nearlytouching. Such a position, allows the user to exercise different upperbody muscles and different aspects of the upper body muscles than wouldbe exercised with any of the other gripping alternatives. For example,the user's hands will oftentimes be closer together than the user'sshoulders, and the hands will be at a slight angle with regard to theuser's forearm thus having a slight bend at the wrist. This positionexercises the chest and triceps somewhat differently than gripping thefirst section of the outer bars, for example.

[0087] An eleventh alternative handlebar 110 embodiment is illustratedin FIGS. 28 and 29, which illustrate a top view and a side view of theeleventh alternative, respectively. The eleventh alternative handlebarincludes all of the aspects of the tenth alternative handlebar 106, andthus provides all of the gripping positions of the tenth alternativehandlebar. The eleventh alternative handlebar also includes the thirdand fourth stub grips (70, 72) as shown with regard to the fourthalternative (see FIGS. 12 and 13). Accordingly, the eleventh alternativehandlebar also provides all of the gripping alternatives provided by thethird and fourth stub grips (70, 72).

[0088]FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a top view and a side view,respectively, of a twelfth alternative handlebar 112 embodiment, inaccordance with the present invention. The twelfth alternative handlebarincludes the base handlebar configuration 26 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.In addition, the twelfth alternative handlebar configuration includes aleft angled stub grip 114 and a right angled stub grip 116. The leftangled stub grip extends upwardly, forwardly, and inwardly from thesecond section 44 a of the left outer grip 38, and the right angled stubgrip extends upwardly, forwardly and inwardly from the second section 44b of the right outer grip 40. In one example, as best shown in FIG. 31,the left and right angled stub grips (114, 116) are in the same planedefined by the second section 44 a of the left outer grip and the secondportion 44 b of the right outer grip, respectively.

[0089] The angled stub grips (114, 116) provide a comfortable andnatural gripping position for the user especially in the standing ridingposition. When gripping the angled stub grips, in many instances, theuser's hands will be about the same width as the user's shoulders orslightly wider. The angle of the stub grips will orient the hand and theforearm with little angle at the wrist for most users.

[0090]FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate a top view and a side view,respectively, of a thirteenth handlebar 118 configuration according tothe invention. The thirteenth alternative handlebar includes the basehandlebar configuration 26 and the angled stub grips (114, 116) as shownin FIGS. 30 and 31. In addition, the thirteenth embodiment includes thefirst and second stub grips (54, 56) as shown in FIGS. 5-7, or as shownin FIGS. 14 and 15. Recall, that the stub grips shown in FIGS. 14 and 15are located somewhat more rearwardly on the outer grips than the stubgrips shown in FIGS. 5-7. The thirteenth embodiment of the inventionprovides the various alternative gripping positions provided by theembodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 5-7, 30-31, and 32-33.

[0091]FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate a top view and a side view,respectively, of a fourteenth handlebar 120 configuration according tothe invention. The fourteenth handlebar embodiment 120 includes the basehandlebar 26 and the angled stub grips (114, 116) as shown in FIGS. 30and 31. In addition, the fourteenth embodiment includes an arcuate bar84 connected with the inverted V-shaped bar as shown in FIGS. 18-21.Thus, the fourteenth embodiment provides all of the grippingalternatives of the twelfth embodiment along with the grippingalternatives provided by the arcuate bar as discussed with regard toFIGS. 18-21.

[0092] Various embodiments of the invention are shown and described witha degree of particularity. It should be recognized, however, thatvarious changes may be made to these embodiments without departing fromthe spirit and the scope of the present invention. For example, thirdand fourth stub grips such as those shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, may beadded to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 14-19, 22-27, or 30-34. Inanother example, a spanning bar, one or more arcuate bars, or first andsecond stub grips, may be added to embodiments of the invention that arenot particularly shown with such features.

We claim:
 1. An exercise device comprising: a handlebar assemblycomprising: a handlebar stem; a base handlebar structure including amain bar connected transversely with the handlebar stem, the main bardefining a first portion and a second portion, the base handlebarstructure further including a first outer bar extending forwardly fromthe first portion of the main bar and a second outer bar extendingforwardly from the second portion of the main bar, the first outer bardefining a first section and a first angularly offset section beingangularly offset from the first section, the second outer bar defining asecond section and a second angularly offset section being angularlyoffset from the second section; a first stub grip extending inwardlyfrom the first outer bar toward the second outer bar; and a second stubgrip extending inwardly from the second outer bar toward the first outerbar.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the handlebar stemcomprises a forwardly extending support arm defining a first side and asecond side, and wherein the first portion of the main bar extendsoutwardly and downwardly from the first side of the support arm and thesecond portion of the main bar extends outwardly and downwardly from thesecond side of the support arm.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2further comprising: an exercise bicycle including a head tube definingan aperture; and wherein the handlebar stem is in engagement with theaperture.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: a thirdstub grip extending inwardly from the first outer bar toward the secondouter bar; and a fourth stub grip extending inwardly from the secondouter bar toward the first outer bar.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1further comprising: a third stub grip extending outwardly from the firstouter bar; and a fourth stub grip extending outwardly from the secondouter bar.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein: the first stubgrip extends inwardly from the first outer bar at about a right angle tothe first outer bar; the second stub grip extends inwardly from thesecond outer at about a right angle to the second outer bar.
 7. Theexercise device of claim 4 wherein: the third stub grip extends inwardlyfrom the first outer bar at about a right angle to the first outer bar;and the fourth stub grip extends inwardly from the second outer bar atabout a right angle to the second outer bar.
 8. The exercise device ofclaim 5 wherein: the third stub grip extends outwardly from the firstouter bar at about a right angle to the first outer bar; and the fourthstub grip extends outwardly from the second outer bar at about a rightangle to the second outer bar.
 9. The exercise device of claim 1 furthercomprising: a spanning bar defining a first bar section, a secondnon-linear section, and a third bar section, the first bar sectionconnected with the first outer bar, the third bar section connected withthe second outer bar, and the second non-linear section located betweenthe first bar section and the third bar section.
 10. The exercise deviceof claim 9 wherein the second non-linear section of the spanning bardefines a rearwardly directed curve.
 11. The exercise device of claim 9wherein the second non-linear section of the spanning bar defines arearwardly and upwardly directed curve.
 12. The exercise device of claim9 wherein the second non-linear section of the spanning bar defines arearwardly and a downwardly directed curve.
 13. The exercise device ofclaim 9 wherein the second non-linear section of the spanning bardefines a forwardly directed curve.
 14. The exercise device of claim 9wherein the second non-linear section of the spanning bar defines anupwardly and forwardly directed curve.
 15. The exercise device of claim9 wherein the second non-linear section of the spanning bar defines aforwardly and a downwardly directed curve.
 16. An exercise devicecomprising: a handlebar assembly comprising: a handlebar stem; a basehandlebar structure including a main bar connected transversely with thehandlebar stem, the main bar defining a first portion and a secondportion, the base handlebar structure further including a first outerbar extending forwardly from the first portion of the main bar and asecond outer bar extending forwardly from the second portion of the mainbar, the first outer bar defining a first section and a first angularlyoffset section being angularly offset from the first section, the secondouter bar defining a second section and a second angularly offsetsection being angularly offset from the second section; a first arcuatebar, having a first end and a second end and defining an arctherebetween, the first end connected with the first portion of the mainbar and the second end connected with the first outer bar; and a secondarcuate bar, having a first end and a second end and defining an arcthere between, the first end connected with the second portion of themain bar and the second end connected with the second outer bar.
 17. Theexercise device of claim 16 wherein the handlebar stem comprises aforwardly extending support arm defining a first side and a second side,and wherein the first portion of the main bar extends outwardly anddownwardly from the first side of the support arm and the second portionof the main bar extends outwardly and downwardly from the second side ofthe support arm.
 18. The exercise device of claim 17 further comprising:an exercise bicycle including a head tube defining an aperture; andwherein the handlebar stem is in engagement with the aperture.
 19. Theexercise device of claim 16 further comprising a cross bar connectedbetween the first arcuate bar and the second arcuate bar.
 20. Theexercise device of claim 19 further comprising: a first stub gripextending outwardly from the first outer bar; and a second stub gripextending outwardly from the second outer bar.
 21. The exercise deviceof claim 19 wherein the first arcuate bar extends forwardly from thefirst portion of the main bar and outwardly to the first outer bar; andwherein the second arcuate bar extends forwardly from the second portionof the main bar and outwardly to the second outer bar.
 22. An exercisedevice comprising: a handlebar assembly comprising: a handlebar stem; abase handlebar structure including a main bar connected transverselywith the handlebar stem, the main bar defining a first portion and asecond portion, the base handlebar structure further including a firstouter bar extending forwardly from the first portion of the main bar anda second outer bar extending forwardly from the second portion of themain bar, the first outer bar defining a first section and a firstangularly offset section being angularly offset from the first section,the second outer bar defining a second generally horizontal section anda second angularly offset section being angularly offset from the secondgenerally horizontal section; a first stub grip extending inwardly fromthe first outer bar toward the second outer bar; and a second stub gripextending inwardly from the second outer bar toward the first outer bar;and a spanning bar defining a first bar section, a second non-linearsection, and a third bar section, the first bar section connected withthe first outer bar, the third bar section connected with the secondouter bar, and the second non-linear section located between andconnected with the first bar section and the third bar section.
 23. Theexercise device of claim 22 wherein the handlebar stem comprises aforwardly extending support arm defining a first side and a second side,and wherein the first portion of the main bar extends outwardly anddownwardly from the first side of the support arm and the second portionof the main bar extends outwardly and downwardly from the second side ofthe support arm.
 24. The exercise device of claim 23 further comprising:an exercise bicycle including a head tube defining an aperture; andwherein the handlebar stem is in engagement with the aperture.
 25. Theexercise device of claim 22 wherein the second non-linear section of thespanning bar defines a rearwardly directed curve.
 26. The exercisedevice of claim 25 wherein the second non-linear section of the spanningbar defines a rearwardly and an upwardly directed curve.
 27. Theexercise device of claim 25 wherein the second non-linear section of thespanning bar defines a rearwardly and a downwardly directed curve. 28.The exercise device of claim 22 wherein the second non-linear section ofthe spanning bar defines a forwardly directed curve.
 29. The exercisedevice of claim 28 wherein the second non-linear section of the spanningbar defines an upwardly and forwardly directed curve.
 30. The exercisedevice of claim 28 wherein the second non-linear section of the spanningbar defines a forwardly and a downwardly directed curve.
 31. Theexercise device of claim 22 further comprising: a first stub gripextending forwardly from the first portion of the main bar at about aright angle to the first portion of the main bar; and a second stub gripextending forwardly from the second portion of the main bar at about aright angle to the second portion of the main bar.
 32. The exercisedevice of claim 22 further comprising an arcuate bar, having a first endand a second end and defining an arc therebetween, the first endconnected with the first portion of the main bar and the second endconnected with the second portion of the main bar.
 33. The exercisedevice of claim 32 further comprising: a first stub grip extendingoutwardly from the first outer bar at about a right angle to the firstouter bar; and a second stub grip extending outwardly from the secondouter bar at about a right angle to the second outer bar.
 34. Anexercise device comprising: a handlebar assembly comprising: a handlebarstem; a base handlebar structure including a main bar connectedtransversely with the handlebar stem, the main bar defining a firstportion and a second portion, the base handlebar structure furtherincluding a first outer bar extending forwardly from the first portionof the main bar and a second outer bar extending forwardly from thesecond portion of the main bar, the first outer bar defining a firstsection and a first angularly offset section being angularly offset fromthe first section, the second outer bar defining a second section and asecond angularly offset section being angularly offset from the secondsection; a first angled stub grip extending forwardly, upwardly, andinwardly from the first outer bar; and a second angled stub gripextending forwardly, upwardly, and inwardly from the second outer bar.35. The exercise device of claim 33 wherein the handlebar stem comprisesa support arm defining a first side and a second side, and wherein thefirst portion of the main bar extends outwardly and downwardly from thefirst side of the support arm and the second portion of the main barextends outwardly and downwardly from the second side of the supportarm.
 36. The exercise device of claim 34 further comprising: an exercisebicycle including a head tube defining an aperture; and wherein thehandlebar stem is in engagement with the aperture.
 37. The exercisedevice of claim 33 further comprising: a first stub grip extendinginwardly from the first outer bar toward the second outer bar at about aright angle to the first outer bar; and a second stub grip extendinginwardly from the second outer bar toward the first outer bar at about aright angle to the second outer bar.
 38. The exercise device of claim 33further comprising an arcuate bar, having a first end and a second endand defining an arc therebetween, the first end connected with the firstportion of the main bar and the second end connected with the secondportion of the main bar.
 39. An exercise device comprising: a handlebarassembly comprising: a means for adjustably mounting the handlebarassembly on the exercise device; a first base gripping means forproviding gripping alternatives; at least one second gripping means forproviding additional gripping alternatives, wherein the at least onesecond gripping means is attached to the first base gripping means.